Braces can unlock a level of self-assurance you never knew you had. When your teeth align beautifully, you'll find yourself smiling more often and with greater confidence. Welcome to Villa Orthodontics, where we specialize in creating beautiful smiles through the modern magic of braces. We're here to guide you on a journey that combines the artistry of orthodontics with the comfort and convenience of today’s treatments.
Once placed on your teeth, our Richmond braces place constant pressure on your teeth, and the force of the pressure helps move your teeth into the proper position. At each appointment, your orthodontist may tighten the archwires.
In addition to braces, some patients may need to wear rubber bands or headgear. Patients wearing braces may notice their teeth feeling a little loose. This is normal and temporary; once the teeth are done moving, this feeling will go away.
Because everyone is different, Villa Orthodontics has a wide selection of braces to meet your needs. We believe in giving you options and providing you with complete information about your dental choices.
Remember the old-school braces? Well, they've come a long way! Our modern metal braces are smaller, more comfortable, and incredibly effective. You can even add a splash of color with colored elastics for a fun and personalized look. Metal braces straighten your teeth using brackets and archwires made from high-grade stainless steel.
If you'd like something less noticeable, ceramic braces might be your go-to choice. Ceramic braces are made of clear materials and are therefore less visible on your teeth than metal braces. They blend in with your teeth and are as effective in correcting misalignments. Just keep in mind that they may need a bit more TLC to stay pristine.
Self-ligating braces have the same material as metal braces but use a specialized clip in place of elastics to help the archwire guide teeth into place. Since they do not require the use of elastics, there will be fewer appointments and less friction being placed on the tooth. They're great for those who might be a little anxious about orthodontic visits.
Clear aligners, like Invisalign, are the modern way to straighten your teeth without the need for brackets and wires. They are a series of invisible, removable, and comfortable acrylic trays that straighten your teeth like braces. You can eat and drink what you want while in treatment, plus brushing and flossing are less of a hassle.
Don’t worry, you’ll be eating popcorn and snacking on potato chips again in no time! However, before you can start enjoying some of the treats you love, you will need to take special care to avoid any foods that could damage your new appliances.
While there is no exact age for children to begin orthodontic treatment, the American Association of Orthodontists recommends visiting the orthodontist around age seven, including those in need of braces in Glen Allen.
By this age, most children have a mix of baby teeth and adult teeth, making it easier for the orthodontist to diagnose and correct tooth and jaw problems sooner and without surgery.
The teenage years are a prime time for orthodontic treatment. By this age, most teens have a mix of permanent and baby teeth, creating an ideal opportunity for orthodontists to assess and address various dental and jaw issues.
Orthodontic treatment during adolescence can help correct misaligned teeth, improve bite function, and enhance facial aesthetics.
Orthodontic treatment isn't just for teenagers; it's a fantastic option for adults too! In fact, a significant number of adults are choosing to pursue orthodontic care to improve their oral health and boost their confidence.
At Villa Orthodontics, we understand that adult patients have unique needs and concerns. They can be busy, concerned with keeping a professional look, and may want treatment that requires less patient compliance.
We understand that getting braces can be both exciting and overwhelming, as there may be some common concerns that hold people back from getting treatment. To help you with your decision, we have addressed these issues head-on:
When you first get your braces, you may notice that your teeth and mouth feel a little tender or sore. This is perfectly normal, and we promise your mouth will not be sore forever! To relieve the pain, we recommend dissolving one teaspoon of salt in eight ounces of lukewarm water. Swish and gargle this solution in your mouth for just a couple of minutes (do not swallow the saltwater).
If the pain is more severe and does not go away after rinsing, you can also try taking a pain reliever. It is also not uncommon for your lips, cheeks, and tongue to become irritated for one to two weeks as they toughen and become used to the braces. We would be happy to give you some wax that you can put over the braces to lessen the tenderness. If you need some wax, please let us know.
The wires and bands on your braces may come loose. If this happens, please contact us as soon as possible so that we can check and repair your appliance. If any piece of your appliance comes off, be sure to save it and bring it to the office with you.
You can temporarily fix the loose wire by using the back of a spoon or the eraser end of a pencil to carefully and gently push the wire back into place. If the loose wire is causing irritation to your lips or cheeks, put wax or a wet cotton ball over the broken wire to relieve the pain.
Game, set, match—we have great news for athletes! You can still play sports even while undergoing orthodontic treatment! If you do play sports, it’s recommended that you wear a mouthguard to protect your teeth and your appliance. Let your doctor know if you need help finding the right mouthguard for the best protection.
In case of a sports emergency, be sure to immediately check your mouth and appliance for damage. If you notice any loose teeth or appliance damage, please contact our office right away. You can temporarily relieve the discomfort by applying wax or rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater.
Not receiving orthodontic treatment when it’s needed can create long-term health issues, costing you more in the end. To learn more about the benefits of our Richmond braces treatment for your individual case, please contact our practice to schedule an appointment.
We understand that you have a busy schedule, and we will work with you to make sure each office visit is as convenient as possible.
(804) 747-0137 (804) 773-4940